At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function and support a small team in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a growing specialist services business with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, hybrid working, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a varied and interesting finance environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while progressing into a broader finance leadership role.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with experience in senior finance roles.
Rutherford Briant are recruiting for a Financial Controller to join a growing, specialist services business with a strong reputation in its sector and a broad UK and international customer base. This is a senior finance role within a commercially active, multi-site organisation where no two weeks are likely to look exactly the same. The business operates across several specialist markets and has a mix of operational, project-led and people-focused revenue streams, creating a varied and interesting environment for an experienced finance professional.
The role would suit a qualified accountant who enjoys combining strong financial control with commercial insight, team leadership and close involvement with senior stakeholders. You will take ownership of the finance function day to day, while also playing an important role in improving reporting, strengthening controls and supporting future growth. There is also a clear longer-term opportunity attached to the role, with the successful candidate expected to have the potential to progress into a broader finance leadership position as part of the company's succession planning.
Key responsibilities:- Leading the finance function and supporting the development of a small team
- Producing accurate monthly management accounts, including balance sheet reviews, reconciliations and meaningful commentary
- Providing financial insight and reporting to support senior leadership and board-level decision making
- Managing budgeting, forecasting and cash flow planning
- Acting as a finance business partner to operational and commercial teams
- Maintaining strong financial controls, governance and compliance processes
- Supporting statutory reporting, audit preparation and year-end activity
- Overseeing financial processes linked to complex payroll arrangements
- Improving reporting, systems and processes to create better visibility and efficiency
- Supporting projects, financial modelling and commercial decision making
- Helping ensure the finance function is structured effectively for future growth
- Taking responsibility for IT and systems oversight from a finance and operational control perspective
- Fully qualified accountant, ACA, ACCA or CIMA
- Experienced in a Financial Controller, Finance Manager or similar senior finance role
- Confident managing month-end reporting, controls, budgeting and forecasting
- Comfortable working in a hands-on role within an SME or mid-market environment
- Able to lead, coach and develop finance team members
- Commercially minded, with the ability to influence non-finance stakeholders
- Strong technically, but also practical and business-focused
- Highly organised and comfortable managing deadlines
- Confident with Excel, reporting tools and finance systems
- Experienced in payroll-related finance processes, ideally in a more complex environment
- Exposure to multi-site, international, project-led or service-based businesses would be helpful, but is not essential.
- Experience improving systems, reporting or finance processes would also be highly relevant.
- £70,000 - £75,000 basic salary
- Bonus
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Pension scheme
- Private medical insurance
- Life assurance
- Hybrid working, typically one day per week in the office
- Parking available when on site
Financial Controller in Stansted Mountfitchet employer: Rutherford Briant
Join a dynamic and growing specialist services business in Chelmsford, where you will thrive in a supportive work culture that values innovation and collaboration. With a competitive salary, generous benefits including private medical insurance and a clear path for career progression, this role as Financial Controller offers the opportunity to lead a finance team while making impactful contributions to the company's growth. Enjoy the flexibility of hybrid working and the chance to engage with a diverse range of projects in a commercially active environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in Stansted Mountfitchet
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Rutherford Briant. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in Stansted Mountfitchet
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Rutherford Briant.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Rutherford Briant's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rutherford Briant
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Rutherford Briant.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Rutherford Briant will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Rutherford Briant employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
